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Mission
Youth Opportunities Unlimited taps into the wonder and curiosity of youth to seek adventure and learn naturally.
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Summary

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) serves children ages 9 -14 in the Greater New Bedford area. Our mission is to tap into the wonder and curiosity of youth to seek adventure and learn naturally.  Whether children are cooking meals using ingredients entirely new for them, gaining hands-on instruction in bike maintenance, or exploring local neighborhoods that they have never visited, we offer a safe and supportive environment that encourages all of our students to open their minds, follow their natural curiosity, and realize their full potential!
Programs

 

Bike Maintenance & Repair Shop
This engaging experience introduces the basics of bicycle maintenance and repair, developing youth’s life skills and confidence. Participants are taught by a trained bicycle mechanic and use modern equipment and tools, designed especially for working on bikes. Students build bikes from the frame up  (maybe even build a unique cycling “contraption”!), leaving Y.O.U. ready to ride safely.

April-June, October-December

Community Bike Shop

This community bike shop introduces youth to the hands-on skills needed to ride their bikes safely while providing work experience, and mentoring through apprenticeship. Participants and local youth gain hands-on experience working with professional tools, practicing techniques to problem solve on-the-go and keep their bikes in working order.

April-November, Saturdays 8:00am-12:00pm, by appointment only


Spring/Fall Urban Explorer
Ride to exciting locations and explore! Visit local parks, beaches, bike paths, and historic places. Play games old and new, like “bowling-on-the-green!” Explore and grow in our garden.  Kids’ natural curiosity leads this program, & every ride is full of surprising discoveries.
April-June, September–December
 
Winter Indoor Discoveries (W.I.N.D.) Program
During the several weeks between Fall and Spring Urban Explorers, Y.O.U. programs head indoors. This is the time when youth take part in Winter Indoor Discoveries or WIND. WIND programs offer unique opportunities to discover new skills and explore lifelong interests, with an intensive focus on the integration of STEAM. From LEGO Robotics and bee-keeping to carpentry and candle-making, WIND will make exploration fun and relevant.
January–February
 
Food for Thought
Through hands-on workshops kids acquire cooking skills and an appreciation of healthy foods with the guidance of talented local chefs.  Every recipe can be replicated at home and is an opportunity for discovery, from new favorite dishes to surprising cultural connections.  As we explore exciting recipes, we learn about the journey of food from soil to plate.
March-April
 
Explore Your Environment
Our most significant and most popular program runs daily in one-week sessions every summer. As we bike around the south end peninsula, stopping to explore many exciting local sites, highly qualified instructors ensure that every opportunity is captured for “learning in context.” Kids’ input guides our adventures, and E.Y.E. is always full of swimming, sports, and unforgettable experiences on weekly field trips.
July-August, 9am–12pm
 
Read & Ride
Summer reading has never been cooler! Launched in 2017, this approach to continued summer learning is a fun way for youth to complete their summer reading assignments in the company of others and can enjoy intermittent breaks to go riding.
July–August,  1pm–3pm

Victory Park Children's Community Garden
Our garden is a place where we can stop in to grab ready-to-eat snacks while on an adventure. Every program (even in winter) get some exposure to horticulture.

 

Field Trips

In collaboration with local schools and organizational partners, we’re able to offer on-site field trips in and around Victory Park throughout the academic year. Our field trips and academic-half day experiences are filled with hands-on discovery learning and scientific explorations designed to support what the students are learning in the classroom.

Adventure Trips
Several times every year during the spring and fall, Y.O.U. leads Adventure Trips to exciting venues for city youth. Some popular destinations include Cape Cod Canal Bike Path, Mass Maritime Academy, Local Farms and so much more.

FAQ
Are scholarships/financial aid available: YES  
       
Do you accept PACE vouchers: NO

 
Is transportation available: NO
Additional Information
 
Executive Director: Bernadette Souza        
 
Address: 224 Brock Avenue, New Bedford MA 02744
 
Phone Number: 508-954-6586
 
Website: www.YOUnb.org
 
Email Address: Bernadette@younb.org
 
 
 
Hours of Operation: 
Explore Your Environment Summer Program: 9am–3pm 
Academic School Year Office Hours: 9am–2pm 
Program Hours: 3pm–5pm
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